The Secret Garden: A Graphic Novel
The Secret Garden Series
What’s inside...
Green-growing secrets and magic await you at Misselthwaite Manor, now reimagined in this graphic novel adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s tale. Ten-year-old Mary Lennox arrives at a secluded estate on the Yorkshire moors with a scowl and a chip on her shoulder. First, there’s Martha Sowerby: the too-cheery maid with bothersome questions who seems out of place in the dreary manor. Then there’s the elusive Uncle Craven, Mary's only remaining family—whom she’s not permitted to see. And finally, there are the mysteries that seem to haunt the run-down place: rumors of a lost garden with a tragic past, and a midnight wail that echoes across the moors at night. As Mary begins to explore this new world alongside her ragtag companions—a cocky robin redbreast, a sour-faced gardener, and a boy who can talk to animals—she learns that even the loneliest of hearts can grow roots in rocky soil.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Mary's attitude change throughout the story and what caused those changes?
Why do you think the garden was so important to Mary, Colin, and Dickon?
How do the characters in the book help each other grow and change?
What does the garden symbolize in the story, and how does it relate to real life?
Can you think of a time when you discovered something that made you feel like Mary did in the garden?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the transformation of the characters, highlighting personal experiences that may relate.
Discuss the importance of nature and how it affects our mood and health, drawing parallels to the rejuvenating effect of the garden in the story.
Use the book’s illustrations to delve deeper into the symbolism of the garden, asking your child what various elements might represent.
Invite your child to imagine their own secret garden. Ask them what they would grow and why, linking this back to the themes of healing and friendship in the book.
After reading, consider bonding over a gardening activity to physically connect with the themes of growth and renewal explored in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The healing power of nature
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist, Mary, finds solace and transformation in the neglected garden she works to restore. Her physical health and emotional well-being improve markedly as she spends time in the garden.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to spend more time outdoors, engaging with nature to boost their mental and physical health.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and empathy
Explanation: Mary develops close friendships with Dickon and her cousin Colin through their shared efforts in the garden. These relationships help them to overcome personal struggles and grow emotionally.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building supportive relationships and showing empathy, which can help them in social interactions and personal development.
Example Lesson: Resilience and personal growth
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mary shows resilience, transitioning from a lonely, spoilt child to a nurturing friend and caregiver. This change is mirrored in the rejuvenation of the garden.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the benefits of perseverance and adaptability, inspiring children to embrace personal growth and overcome adversity.
Example Lesson: The joy of discovery and learning
Explanation: The secret garden itself is a symbol of mystery and discovery. Mary's curiosity leads her to explore and eventually rehabilitate the forgotten garden.
Real-World Application: Encouraging a child’s curiosity can lead to lifelong learning and discovery, teaching them to always seek knowledge and explore new interests.